Emotional Hardik Pandya Finally Speaks Out Against Unfair Treatment Over The Past Six Months

India broke out in delight on Saturday, June 29, 2024, when South African all-rounder Anrich Nortje misplayed the last delivery and managed only a single run. Though India was the most dominant side since, this moment of glory occurred seven months after the team’s heartbreaking loss to Australia in ICC Men’s World Cup played in Ahmedabad on November 19, 2023. For cricket fans around the country, it was a much-needed day of atonement. An 11-year worldwide trophy drought was also ended as Team India won their second T20 World Cup, defeating South Africa in a heartfelt final.

Virat Kohli’s vital 76 runs, together with important bowling performances from Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh, ensured an exciting seven-run triumph. In the midst of the festivities, athletes fought back tears as they enthusiastically wrapped themselves in the Indian flag, hugged teammates, and conversed with commentators. Coach Rahul Dravid was equally moved, having just finished his last task as a coach.

However, one player was quietly savoring the moment: Hardik Pandya. After enduring relentless trolling over the past six months, he finally spoke out about his experiences during this period.

Hardik Pandya opened up about how he doughed intense trolling

Star all-arounder Hardik Pandya recently spoke candidly about the difficult six months leading up to his crucial performance in the T20 World Cup. He said that he had been silent and not said a word. Pandya broke down in tears as Men in Blue won the tournament. However, he had not lost his anger once when things were not going his way, which was precisely why the victory seemed the more significant.

For the uninitiated, Pandya had experienced severe treatment from Mumbai Indians (MI) supporters and online trolls throughout the Indian Premier League 2024. He discussed this with the commentator after the game. According to Pandya, India remained composed and had faith in their ability to win the match the entire time. He endured personal and professional abuse during the Indian Premier League. However, when he took Heinrich Klaasen’s wicket, he might have created the game-winning moment.

 

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A post shared by Hardik Himanshu Pandya (@hardikpandya93)

In a post-match presentation, he said,

“It means a lot. Very emotional, we’d been working very hard and something was not clicking. But today we got what the whole nation wanted. More special for me, how my last 6 months were, I haven’t spoken a word, things have been unfair. I knew that if I kept working hard I could shine and do what I could do. Getting an opportunity like this makes it more special. We always believed it was just about executing our plans and staying calm and letting the pressure come to them.”

He added,

“I believe in grace. A lot was said by people who don’t know even know me one percent as a person. People have spoken, no issues but I have always believed in life that you never respond with words, circumstances can respond. It is time for fans and everyone else to learn that (to be graceful). We need to find better ways to conduct yourself. I am sure the same people will be happy.”

Telling about how he endured everything, he said,

“To be honest, I was enjoying. Very few get these life changing opportunities. It could have gone the other way as well today but I see it glass half full and not glass half empty.”

He added,

“I was not taking pressure and focussing on my skill sets. This was a moment written in the stars.”

Hardik Pandya credited Bumrah for India’s win

With the pressure mounting, India managed to retake the lead in the last over thanks to a fantastic back-end performance from Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah, which enabled India win by 7 runs. Bumrah’s incredible 15 wickets earned him the title of Player of the Tournament. Speaking about how Bumrah turned tides in favour of India, Hardik Pandya said,

“Credit to Jassi (Bumrah) and the other bowlers for those last 5 overs. Knew it would not help me if I wasn’t calm, wanted to commit 100% to every ball I’ve bowled. I’ve always enjoyed the pressure. Very happy for him.”

Hardik Pandya expressed his feelings for coach Rahul Dravid

Hardik Pandya sent his gratitude to Rahul Dravid, the head coach who is leaving. Speaking about coach, he said,

“He’s been a wonderful man, really enjoyed working with him, to give him a farewell like this is wonderful, have had a very good relationship with him and became friends. Very happy for all the support staff.”

For the uninitiated, Hardik Pandya returned to MI following a two-year stay with Gujarat Titans (GT), where they won the title in their 2022 inaugural season. However, he and his team faced intense flak on social media when Rohit Sharma was named captain. Throughout the matches, Pandya was viciously trolled in Indian stadiums and on social media.

But after this victory, the mood in the stadium and on social media has been joyous, especially about Hardik. As the dugout cleared, the Indian players, drenched with joy, poured onto the field to participate in the celebrations. The stadium erupted into a tremendous clamor as the spectators let forth their roars. Nonetheless, on the other hand, with India’s win, South Africa suffers another heartbreak.